The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection has launched
an intensive campaign to hire border patrol agents
through the Federal Career Intern Program lasting
through the end of September.
According to the CBP’s 3-part vacancy announcement,
agents “watch the line” to detect, prevent and apprehend
undocumented aliens and smugglers by maintaining
surveillance — as well as check farms and ranches,
observe traffic, patrol cities, and carry out
administrative and intelligence duties, and
anti-smuggling activities.
FCIP appointments typically last two years and become
permanent if service is successful. While the program
primarily is used to attract outside applicants,
current federal employees are eligible for FCIP
placements.
Starting salary for GS-5 is $34,005 or higher per year,
and the GS-7 salary is $38,703 or higher — both offer
overtime comp up to 25 percent of basic salary and
annual advancement.
Agents recruited at lower levels must meet pre-employment
requirements such as medical and fitness exams,
background screening and oral interviews.
The positions are being filled in South Texas, West
Texas/New Mexico, California and Arizona.
